Maytree travel suspend all services with immediate effect according to TfGM

[tamesidedepot]

It appears that Maytree Travel in Bolton have ceased operations. This was the former Tyrer's operation in the town



TfGM are seeking other operators to take on routes. Reported elsewhere is that First have brought former PMT 60076 and 60106 out of storage, probably to release other buses for former Maytree routes.

Maytree had been having difficulties with insurance

http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/media_centre/Pages/News.aspx?articleId=199

04 April 2013
Maytree Travel bus services


Michael Renshaw, TfGM’s Bus & Rail Director, said: “We have been advised that Maytree Travel have this afternoon suspended all their services, including more than 40 bus services they are contracted to run on our behalf.

“Manchester Community Transport, which owns Maytree, had actively been working over the past few days to address the issues that have led to this situation, but it’s now clear they are insurmountable.

“This is now affecting the level of service being provided this afternoon and into the evening and, unfortunately, passengers should not now expect any Maytree services to run tomorrow or over the weekend.

“We have already issued several tender documents to secure emergency contracts to ensure these services return in the immediate future and we will be assessing bids today to get agreements in place as soon as possible.

“The process involved – which is not just about paperwork, but also about alternative operators securing drivers and vehicles to be able to provide these services at short notice – takes time.

“Unfortunately, the circumstances mean some or all of the services affected may not now be back on the road until early next week and passengers are advised to check our website and Twitter feed or call Traveline for updates on the situation before travelling.

“It is deeply regrettable that passengers have been put in this position. The services in question provide essential links for communities in Bolton, Wigan and neighbouring areas and our focus is on doing everything we can to support passengers through this situation.”

TfGM is also working to ensure any school services affected by today’s announcement are addressed as a priority, and information will be provided to schools directly.

Maytree service numbers affected: Daytime services 31, 95, 96, 495, 512/3, 516, 525, 526, 527, 544, 551, 553, 559, 570, 597, 680, and 714. Evening services 507, 510, 519, 534, 536, 538/9, 561/2, 571/2, 575/6, 583, 584, 597, 612, 622, 715 and Sunday services 273, 534, 538/9, 576, 583, 584, 597, 622 and 715

 

[TRACY TRAIN]

It's very sad to here that up to 80 drivers may loose there jobs and such a friendly and popular local service may be lost

 

[northwichcat]

Heard a report saying the company got turned down for insurance renewal due to a spate of attacks and was unable to get cover elsewhere.

Hopefully other operators will increase services and in doing so will create vacancies for new drivers.

 

[robertclark125]

I notice that there are a few routes that are evenings only, or sundays only. So, if the daytime service is provided by anotehr operator, and provided they can get staff quickly, hopefully that operator gets a short term contract to do the work, as it won't require extra vehicles.

 

[winston270twm]

There are also suggestions that MCT may have since received a takeover approach for Maytree from a multi national operator

 

[robertclark125]

Will that solve the insurance issue?

 

[GoByThameslink]

Will that solve the insurance issue?

Probably. As the "extra" risk will be a small portion of the cover already in place (assuming a substantial UK presence) then the insurer will probably be prepared to cover it. I am not familiar with insurance for buses, but the insurance I arrange for my employer provides automatic cover for extensions in business activity in some circumstances (new business as a proportion of existing business, not US etc etc).

 

[winston270twm]

Will that solve the insurance issue?

I would have thought so, if anyone did buy Maytree, the fleet would be added/covered by the purchasers insurance

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Heard a report saying the company got turned down for insurance renewal due to a spate of attacks and was unable to get cover elsewhere.

The details of these attacks will surely be one that any new operator will be made aware of and you have to remember the danger to both drivers and to passengers alike that can ensue from this.

 

[WatcherZero]

I believe TfGM expects to have emergency cover on most routes by next tuesday.

 

[northwichcat]

The details of these attacks will surely be one that any new operator will be made aware of and you have to remember the danger to both drivers and to passengers alike that can ensue from this.

I don't know the specific details of the attacks but say they affected 30-40% of Maytree routes that would be high enough for them to have problems but it would mean that 60-70% of the routes could be registered by other operators without them having issues.

 

[howittpie]

The whole thing has left a lot of bus users stranded especially yesterday evening as Maytree provided a large proportion of Bolton's bus service in the evening I assume it is going to be the same tonight as it was reported on News North West last night that TFGM didn't expect to have the emergancy tenders operational until Monday at the earliest. The reportwer also said this may affect some schools services next week. I am not sure why it is taking so long for TFGM to get emergancy tenders sorted it seems to happen alot quicker in other areas.

 

[WatcherZero]

Thursday afternoon the company stops, Friday morning issue tenders, friday afternoon start reviewing them Sat/Sun weekend, Monday award tender, in service tuesday.

 

[robertclark125]

The problem may simply be firms getting staff started, or getting existing staff to cover. Vehicles should not be a problem for larger operators.

 

[christopher]

Indeed, It's not like operators have a fleet of buses and drivers sitting around spare.....

Or is there a strategic reserve of buses..dun...dun...dun!

 

[northwichcat]

Indeed, It's not like operators have a fleet of buses and drivers sitting around spare.....

Or is there a strategic reserve of buses..dun...dun...dun!

And with it being the Grand National a number of operators will be stretched until Sunday. I saw an unusual Haytons Coaches vehicle running a works contract that's contracted to their sister company Selwyns this morning.

 

[howittpie]

I am nothing to do with the bus company but I knew last Monday there was a problem with Maytree from a poster on another forum surely then it TFGM would know there was a problem with Maytree and they should have started sorting things out just in case. I think it has been very poor for TFGM to leave people stranded for what will nearly be 4 days without a bus service.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

I believe that TfGM have now matters in the final stages to ensure new contractual running after the weekend. Some services were ready this weekend. They have now published an update on matters on their media board.

 

[34D]

I'm sure getting someone to cover for a few days would have been simple enough, had they wanted to do an 'emergency rail replacement' style offering.

 

[Deerfold]

I am nothing to do with the bus company but I knew last Monday there was a problem with Maytree from a poster on another forum surely then it TFGM would know there was a problem with Maytree and they should have started sorting things out just in case. I think it has been very poor for TFGM to leave people stranded for what will nearly be 4 days without a bus service.

But TfGM can't just start getting other companies to do work because they've heard there might be a problem or they may be accused of tipping a company over the edge.

What would people say if a company had a brief cashflow problem but then went bankrupt as replacement tenders had been issued for their routes and people chose not to travelor buy season tickets with Maytree as they thought this showed their money wouldn't be safe...

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Has anyone any views on how the Maytree replacement services have been dovetailed in with those other services involved. Have any areas suffered a reduction of service ?

 

[howittpie]

The only route that has disappeared completely is the 680 between Leigh and Shakerley as it was commercial but am sure this is covered by other services and the 95 is only running between Salford and Whitefield can't remember whre Maytree extended it to. The rest of Maytree's work was tendered so is covered by the emergancy tenders.

 

[gnolife]

The only route that has disappeared completely is the 680 between Leigh and Shakerley as it was commercial but am sure this is covered by other services and the 95 is only running between Salford and Whitefield can't remember whre Maytree extended it to. The rest of Maytree's work was tendered so is covered by the emergancy tenders.

I think the 95 went to Hope Hospital, so its not really to major a loss, as its an easy change at Salford to the 10/110 to go on to that area.